David DewhurstCar and Driver
Our very first (intentional) off-road adventure pits the 1989 Jeep Wrangler, Isuzu Amigo, Suzuki Samurai and Geo Tracker against each other and the Mojave Trail, an old path through the desert from Needles to Barstow, California. Just to keep it interesting, we attempt this in July. With no air conditioning.
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The festive Islander takes the lead, also known as “the 10 percent less dusty position.”
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If this seemed like a big empty place in cars, imagine it on a horse.
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None of the SUVs had a major problem with the terrain.
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Four editors haplessly try to park in the shade.
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Cash contributions to maintain the Mojave Road go in soft-drink cans.
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Splashing through this water, which was stinky, turned out to be one of many regrettable decisions.
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The Samurai was the smallest, weakest and crudest. But it was nimble off road.
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The Suzuki Samurai’s cockpit was an all-too-effective dust magnet.
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The Jeep Wrangler Islander included the 4.2-liter I-6, which should be considered mandatory.
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With solid axles, leaf springs and only 112 horsepower, the Wrangler is still well in touch with its World War II military origins.
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An as-tested price of $15,339 seemed steep for a vehicle optimized for the dirt rather than the pavement.
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Air conditioning wasn’t even an option on the Tracker.
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With 80 horsepower and only 2320 pounds, the Geo was the most fun to drive.
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With its big tires, the Isuzu Amigo XS looks like the most hardcore off-roader, but it was paradoxically the best to drive on the street.
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John Phillips carried one rock to the end of
the trail, a Mojave Road tradition.
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On the Mojave Road, the heat can kill you and so can the plants.
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